Monday, May 31, 2010

JACKO FANSHAWE'S LETTER PUBLISHED IN THE RACING POST 30.05.2010

LORD DERBY’S HATCHFIELD FARM PROPOSAL

I would like to clear up one point in the article regarding the annual Newmarket Town Council meeting on Monday. (May 26)

It states that the trainer, representatives of Sheikh Mohammed, the Save Historic Newmarket Action Group and residents were accusing Nigel McCurdy, Forest District Council’s strategic director, of ignoring their views. This is not true. It is not Mr McCurdy’s job to listen to anyone’s views, and we have never asked him to do so. His job is to advise the councillors impartially on planning matters.

SHNAG have been to all planning meetings, as well as the enquiry into the core strategy.

On Monday evening, I put forward the resolution for a vote of no confidence in Nigel McCurdy regarding his dealings with Hatchfield Farm. This was done off my own initiative. I had read the Town Council’s advertisement in the Newmarket Journal. It read that the public could make statements, ask questions and make resolutions on matters concerning the town. That is exactly what I did. It was a relief that Rachel Hood seconded it as I wasn’t sure that someone would.

There was a unanimous vote accepting the resolution from virtually everyone there.The mayor refused to accept the resolution. Previously, she had said that we were not allowed to ask any questions about Hatchfield Farm which was absurd as the audience was full of racing’s finest. They hadn’t come to discuss dustbins.

I do not know why she got so angry, as we have worked well with the Town Council recently and admire their stance on rejecting the Hatchfield Farm development.All we have ever asked is for fairness, and unfortunately Forest Heath district council officers – not to be mistaken with the councillors – have denied us this.

They are hell- bent on pushing this through with scant regard to the town or the horseracing industry.